Industry unites to announce start of new trailblazer apprenticeship standard. The fire, emergency and security systems apprenticeship trailblazer has officially launched this week during a major industry event held at the UBM offices in London. The majority of candidates are now expected to formally start their apprenticeship in September this year.

The event was jointly organised by the apprenticeship employers group, alongside the Fire and Security Association (FSA), the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).

The launch event included speeches from senior industry figures including Pat Allen of the employers group, Gerry Dunphy of IFSEC/FIREX, and Simon Banks of CSL Dualcom.

Pat Allen, who leads the apprenticeship employers group, commented:

“The entire industry was able to collaborate and create a clear standard that will give apprentices the core skills and experience they require to become the engineers of tomorrow.

"The new apprenticeship will now provide an opportunity for employers within the fire, emergency and security sectors to work together and influence the future of our industry.”

The trailblazer apprenticeship was developed over two years by the employers group, alongside a range of industry bodies including the BSIA, FIA and FSA. The apprenticeship was designed to meet the business needs of the industry, and was approved by the government last year.

The new apprenticeship standard will replace the current industry framework. It aims to equip apprentices with a range of skills and knowledge in order to become the engineers of tomorrow.